Prefanity

Seeing an article about the naughty language policies on Xbox Live generated two corollary effects:

1. The creation of this strip. Then, 2. A meditation on the feasibility of ever outrunning profanity.

A year ago, we saw a quiz thing that asked you to determine which of four odd phrases were euphemisms for sexual acts. By the time we had discovered this question, every item on the list had developed a carnal reputation. That is to say, every item. We are fast approaching a point where ordering a sandwich at a deli will land you in prison. While I’m intrigued by the dystopian undertones of this scenario, I don’t necessarily want to live under its strictures, not least of which because I tend to frequent delis.

Also, I’m pretty sure that “Dystopian Undertones” is guttermouth for the male testes. Make a note.

If - like many of our people - you are planning a “trek” to the San Diego Comic-Con, know that we can be found at Booth 1237 this year. Know also that we have heaped our shelves with items designed to tantalize you, printed marvels, and garb engineered to startle.

I collect weirdos, or maybe weirdos collect me, but the end result is that I have an ever-expanding menagerie to generate delights at this convention. Understand that, for me, being a “weirdo” is an unalloyed good. Maybe that goes without saying.

Paul Barnett is the sort of person I’m talking about. Last year, prior to the launch of Warhammer Online, I had a chance to talk with him about what exactly he was trying to do. When it became clear that we weren’t going to get to the nut of it in the time allotted, he left me his design diary and went back to his booth. Maybe that’s not as momentous as it seemed at the time; maybe he does that with all the girls. In general, though, I would say that leaving one’s diary with a satirist requires some courage.

I really want to catch up with him this year if I can, if he’s got the time. I want to know what it’s like to design a game that makes millions of dollars a month, millions, and is still considered a failure.